Some people think about adventure — and others make their life a living adventure.

Nate graduated high school unsure about his path in life. Looking for a challenge and to make a difference, he made his way to the Darfur region of Sudan to help in the refugee camps. The experience, coupled with his memories of 9/11, inspired him to enlist in the U.S. Army as a Special Forces candidate, and he became one of 11 from his class of 150 to graduate with a Green Beret. He has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning a Bronze Star for heroism in combat.

Pausing from his military service, Boyer sought his next challenge, trying to walk-on to the Texas football team despite never having played on an organized team because his high school did not sponsor the sport. His tenacity and athletic prowess netted him a spot on the team as a defensive back, but he lacked the skills to contribute during live games. He analyzed the roster, and he saw a potential opening at long snapper. He refined his skill, earning a starting job the past two seasons. Former Texas head coach Mack Brown calls his story one of the most inspirational and unique he has ever seen.

I met Nate Boyer while he was training to make the roster for the Seattle Seahawks as a long snapper.

“If you feel like what you do on a daily basis doesn’t matter, you aren’t going to be as good at those things because your self-worth will be in the tube.”

In This Episode:

• His role in Waterboys
• Why veterans can make an impact in 3rd world countries
• What you can do to make a difference
• The importance of water
• Transitioning from military to sports
• Going for it with the Seahawks
• Coping with falling short of a goal
• Why it’s never too late to go after what you want
• Merging veterans and players for a common cause